The Strengths Based Approach, also known as Asset Based Community Development, focuses on the strengths, capacities and assets of communities so that they may be architects of their own better futures.

Major donors play an important role in supporting our work to end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. Caritas Australia values meaningful partnerships, and we are able to tailor different options for major donor support.

Typhoon Mangkhut damage report and early response

Early reports are coming in of the damage wrought by Super Typhoon Mangkhut, which hit the Philippines yesterday.

So far, a total of 15,491 families have been served by evacuation centres. This represents almost 60,000 people. It is estimated that nearly 4 million people may be affected by this emergency.

The local Caritas team packs the initial relief goods for distribution to families in the evacuation centers in Ilagan, Isabela. Photo: Jing Henderson, NASSA/Caritas Philippines

In advance of the typhoon, NASSA (Caritas Philippines) deployed Rapid Assessment Teams around the areas expected to be worst affected.

Initial observations in the Diocese of Ilagan are as follows:

Major damage to farmlands, with up to 90% of crops damaged in some areas.

Flooding and landslides have been reported

Electricity has been lost throughout most of Isabela.

Many bridges have been destroyed and many roads are not passable.

Most petrol stations, grocery stores and local markets are closed

Water and telecommunications appear to still be available.

Hundreds of sacks of rice in Ilagan City, Isabela were soaked under the heavy rains night of September 14. Farmers were forced to harvest premature palay hoping to still use it domestically. Photo: Jing Henderson, NASSA/Caritas Philippines

"Both the government and the church now are more prepared. We have been coordinating very closely with each other to assess the damages and assist the most vulnerable." Hon. Joe Calderon
Roxas City, Isabela

The following video appeal has been uploaded by Fr Peter Rambac, parish priest in Roxas, Isabela.

We stand with our friends in the Philippines and are closely monitoring the devastation and the response. Australians who wish to assist, can give to our Asia Emergency Appeal.

Caritas Australia is the international aid and development organisation of the Catholic Church in Australia. We are a member of the Fundraising Institute of Australia, the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) and the Church Agencies Network. We are endorsed by the Australian Taxation Office as a Deductible Gift Recipient (ABN 90 970 605 069) with charity status. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.